Community Blogs

Our Community Blogs share stories from across our work with equity-deserving communities, highlighting AHC programs, partnerships, and community-led initiatives in action. Through reflections, updates, and success stories, we showcase how culturally responsive programming and inclusive service delivery support individuals and groups to strengthen wellbeing and build capacity.

Alongside program insights, you’ll find community success stories and testimonials that reflect the impact of collaboration, participation, and grassroots leadership. Together, these blogs offer a practical and people-first look at how communities are advancing their own wellbeing and prosperity, with AHC walking alongside them as a partner.

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Success Story: Chilean Entrepreneur Brings Flavour to Local Markets

When it comes to entrepreneurship, the key is to put your own authentic flavour on your business, and that's exactly what Rossana Puebla quite literally did.

A newcomer from Chile, Rossana has successfully founded her business Étnica Yeg, which provides the authentic flavours of fresh Chilean nuts, spices, and fruits. Her fragrant products are making significant strides in the local market, thanks in part to the invaluable support from Action for Healthy Communities' Entrepreneurship (AHC) Supports Program.

From the outset, Rossana recognized the importance of honing her skills and expanding her knowledge. She actively participated in various business workshops organized by AHC, where she not only learned the essentials of running a business but also had the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs. These workshops, combined with one-on-one guidance, have been pivotal in helping Rossana refine her business strategy and sharpen her entrepreneurial skills.

One of the most exciting milestones in her entrepreneurial journey was her participation in the 2025 KDays Pop-Up Market. This event provided Rossana with a platform to showcase her products and gain valuable exposure. It was more than just a market; it was an opportunity to connect with local customers and gain insights into their preferences and needs.

Building on her success during KDays, Rossana has taken another significant step by accepting an invitation to participate in a two-day FarmFair International this November. Considered to be one of Canada's largest agricultural shows, this event promises to expand her market reach even further, allowing her to meet new clients and explore wholesale opportunities.

Rossana’s story is a testament to the power of community support and the impact of dedicated mentorship in the world of entrepreneurship. As she continues to grow Étnica Yeg, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, success is within reach.

To learn more about Étnica Yeg, you can visit them online using the links below!

For more information about our program, visit AHC's Entrepreneurship Supports Program.

Action for Healthy Communities and Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Host Hiring Event at YMCA

On August 28, 2025, Action for Healthy Communities, in partnership with the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), hosted an exciting Job Shadow and Hiring Event at the YMCA—an incredible opportunity for local youth interested in exploring careers in sports and recreation.

The atmosphere was electric as our youth clients arrived, brimming with enthusiasm and eager to discover their potential future roles in this vibrant field. The day commenced with an engaging presentation from the YMCA staff, who outlined various job openings available, ranging from program leaders to facility operations.

As youth across Canada continue to struggle to find employment, the hiring event painted a vivid picture of the opportunities that await aspiring professionals in the sector.

One of the highlights of the event was the behind-the-scenes tour of the YMCA facility. Youth had the chance to see YMCA professionals in action, giving them a first-hand look at what these rewarding roles entail on a daily basis. This valuable exposure was not only informative but also inspiring, as it showcased the diverse range of positions available within the sports and recreation landscape.

Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to ask questions and interact with the hiring manager, fostering a supportive environment for them to learn more about the application process. Many even took the opportunity to submit job applications on the spot, making the most of this unique event.

For many attendees, the experience was a powerful introduction to the employment possibilities within their community. It opened their eyes to just how varied and accessible these roles are, igniting a fresh sense of possibility and motivation to pursue a career in sports and recreation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to both the YMCA and the ARPA for their invaluable collaboration in making this event a success. Together, we are equipping our youth with the tools and insights they need to find their path in the world of sports and recreation.

Building Intergenerational Connections Among Eritrean Segeneyti, Sub-zone in Edmonton

During the summer, the Edmonton Society of Eritrean Segeneyti, Sub-zone continued its ongoing Building Intergenerational Connections for Inclusive Growth in Community initiative. The initiative is supported by Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), through which AHC provided capacity building, resource sharing and technical guidance, starting from community dialogues, needs and assets assessment, followed by an action plan which helped them realize a community-driven initiative based on their identified needs and assets. Guided by a strong commitment to cultural preservation, unity, and inclusion, the initiative by Eritrean Seqeneyti focused on strengthening bonds across generations. The activities began with Storytelling Across Generations, a gathering designed to bring elders, youth, and adults together in a welcoming and respectful space. Elders shared stories of resilience, migration, tradition, and hope, offering valuable insights into their lived experiences. In return, youth opened up about growing up in Canada, sharing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with balancing two cultural identities. These heartfelt exchanges created a bridge of understanding, nurturing connections across age groups while fostering a sense of mutual respect and belonging. A highlight of the initiative was the Empathy Circle, a safe and structured dialogue that encouraged participants to listen deeply and speak openly. Through this experience, individuals discovered common ground, realizing that despite differences in age, background, or experience, many of their values and aspirations aligned. As the day progressed, the event shifted outdoors for a series of lively recreational activities. Boys’ and girls’ soccer and volleyball games brought together children and youth of all ages, promoting teamwork, inclusion, and friendship. Adult volunteers stepped in as coaches, referees, and enthusiastic supporters, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where encouragement and joy were shared freely. These activities, while fun and engaging, also served as a meaningful tool for relationship building and community bonding. The day concluded with a community barbecue, filling the air with the inviting aroma of traditional Eritrean dishes and the sound of laughter and music. Over plates of flavorful food, elders and youth continued to exchange stories, ideas, and hopes for the future. What began as a shared meal grew into a vibrant celebration of connection and collective pride, reflecting the strength and unity of the community. The outcomes of the initiative were both inspiring and heartwarming. New friendships were formed, cultural understanding was deepened, and a renewed sense of unity emerged. Younger participants expressed a growing appreciation for their heritage, while elders shared how valued and respected they felt by the younger generation. By combining storytelling, sports, and shared meals, the initiative succeeded in fostering a sense of belonging and reinforcing the collective identity of the community. Looking ahead, the society remains committed to building on this momentum. By continuing to create opportunities for shared learning, connection, and celebration, the community is laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive future. As one community leader reflected, “Events like these remind us that when we honour our roots and embrace one another, we build a brighter and more united future.”